DBQ Reconstruction Essay

The union victory in the Civil War gave four million slaves their freedom, but reuniting the South with the North introduced a new set of significant challenges. The Congress’ Reconstruction were the efforts to establish and protect citizens’ rights of freedom. Democrats led to the failure of the Congress’ Reconstruction by forgiving those who participated in the Civil War who were still in favor of slavery and inequality. This act of Amnesty led to three major obstacles for reconstruction: the emergence of the Ku Kux Klan, the development of black codes, and the Compromise f 1877. The emergence of the Ku Kux Klan was one of the main contributors to the failure of the Congress’ Reconstruction, leaving open spots for other major events that brought completely down the reconstruction. On November 23, 1868, in Tennessee, General George Thomas explained that the purpose of the Ku Kux Klan was to allow the Southern people that participated in the Civil War to come in union with those who had abandoned the thought of inequality. This gave them the advantage to bring back inequality and kill black men. (Document 2). By forgiving these Southern people, illing freedmen became easy. These people that were being forgiven had the same mentality from before the war, which was involved with the approval of slavery and the inequality there should be because black men weren’t like white men. Kenneth Stampp, a history professor form the University of California at Berkeley, expressed himself in The Era of Reconstruction, 1865-1877 about how in May 1872, the Congress developed an Amnesty act to reestablish the right to vote for the majority of those Southerners that had been forgiven. (Document 3). Giving the right to vote to these eople, put the reconstruction in danger. The right of voting allowed Southerners to vote for someone that would still want slavery. Voting for someone with a mentality like that would Just allow slavery back, and that’s why The Congress’ Reconstruction started to fail. Even though the black codes were created with the purpose of giving freedmen equal rights like white men, the codes werent followed correctly and black men were still being discriminated. The black codes were supposed to follow the 13, 14, and 15th amendment, but they weren’t quite followed the way it was supposed to. Both black and white men were given the same rights, but everything was separated between races, one was for black men and one for white men, showing discrimination. When the black codes were established, black men became freedmen, but even though these men could start living as freedmen, many decided to stay as slaves. In a compilation of these interviews published by Benjamin Botkin in 1945, John McCoy is quoted as saying, â€Å"†¦ l works for Marse John†¦ he says one morning†John, you can go†¦ the government say you is free†¦ † †¦ l didn’t know nothing what money was, nohow, but I knows I’ll git plenty victuals to eat, so I stays†¦ â€Å"(Document 7). The majority of slaves had been slaves through their entire life. These people didn’t know how to live themselves. Black men were ignorants on how to live without being a slave, so many, just like McCoy, decided to stay where they were working so their owners would provide them an easier way of surviving even though they were still working as slaves. In 1935, an African-American historian, Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, published a book of the history of Reconstruction where he wrote, â€Å"†¦ Negros who wanted to work must not dabble in politics. Negroes who wanted to increase their income must not agitate the Negro problem†¦ in order to earn living, the American Negro was compelled to give up his political power†¦ â€Å"(Document 6). This excerpt of the book shows how black men where not only being discriminated, but being left out politically too. If black men wanted work being freedmen, then they would have to stay out of the political power. White men were powerful and this is why giving up political power wasn’t an option, but a forceful act from the white. Black codes were not being followed, white men always managed to find a way to obtain what they wanted. The reconstruction was failing because nobody was respecting laws anymore, and black men couldn’t do anything about it besides remaining quiet and following white men’s instructions, which became their only real guarantee of surviving. The Compromise of 1877 was created to decide which candidate should be taken as a winner, either Hayes or Tilden, leading towards a decision that helped the Congress’ Reconstruction fail. As can be seen in the electoral distribution map from the election of 1876, Hayes won by only one electoral vote and lost the popular vote by 254,235. Document 8). The 1877 Compromise was an agreement to take away Northern troops from the South. This agreement was made due to Tilden’s request so he would let Hayes win. The removal of Northern troops left freedmen without protection, and became easy targets for Southerners to attack. If Hayes wanted to win, he had to accept the request, so he took away the troops because if not, Tilden would have stayed in the power and done worse acts. In November 4 and 5, 1874, the front-page of New York Times published two headlines that announced how Democrats entered he House of Representatives and convert the Congress to be Democratic as well. (Document 5). These Democratic victories helped undermine Congress’ efforts to help freedmen by creating laws and acts that followed racism ideas. There was no more hope for the reconstruction at this point. Democrats were taking all the power and black men could not do anything anymore. Being free was not an option anymore, but a far away dream instead. Even though black people were given the opportunity to have some rights and equality, the Congress’ Reconstruction failed because events such as the creation of he Ku Kux Klan, the construction of the black codes, and the Compromise of 1877, kept their old beliefs of slavery and inequality.

Roman Empire and Nero

Explain the role and contribution of Seneca to the reign of Nero Seneca was the personal advisor of Nero during his reign. He was a stoic philosopher who played a vital role in the running of the empire. Seneca contributed in many aspects of Nero’s reign by introducing reforms, bringing stoicism into practice and playing a key role in the senate. Seneca aided in important decision-making. He led Nero down an appropriate path, particularly when Nero became extremely erratic. He served Nero well and made an excellent contribution during his reign.Seneca understood the problems of Rome so he was able to introduce reforms, which benefited the people. He made conditions for slaves more humane, introduced fiscal reform and introduced a more enlightened administration in Britain. This positively contributed to the empire as he had the happiness of the people in his best interest. By introducing reforms that pleased the people he gained popularity for both himself and Nero. This was b eneficial for Nero as the people of the empire could look back on Nero’s reign years later and reflect on the good decisions and excellent reforms that had taken place during the period.Tacitus says â€Å"Nothing in human affairs is more unstable and precarious than power unsupported by its own strength. † This quote by Tacitus shows us just how great the impact of Seneca was. It is telling us that without Seneca, Nero may have had the power, but had no support to advice him to make the correct decisions. Seneca was the strength to Nero’s power. Seneca composed Nero’s first speech to the senate. This speech offered additional power to the senate and shows that Seneca was contributing to the reign of Nero right from the very start.The speech also promised to return to what life had been like under Augustus. Of course, the empire was considered a Republic during the Augustan period and the people cherished this time. Seneca and Nero were looked upon favoura bly when they promised to return to a time of happiness. Therefore Seneca helped encourage an excellent start to the reign of Nero. Stoicism influenced the writing of Seneca for Nero as he wrote â€Å"on clemency† which encouraged Nero to rule leniently. Stoicism is particularly shown as he writes â€Å"†¦worthy to do the ork of the gods upon the earth† It is known that the Roman’s were very religious, so to do the work of the gods would be seen as ethically and morally right to Seneca. These traits are one of the beliefs of Stoicism, reflecting his influence. This contributed to Nero’s reign as it meant that Nero came across as a self-controlled, morally right stoic man who would run the empire leniently and satisfy the people of Rome. Satisfied Romans meant that they would continue to give their support to Nero during his reign. Seneca worked efficiently with the senate allowing Nero to remain popular within the senate.A key role that Seneca played was to ensure that the Neronian government had good relations with the senate. He did this very effectively. This was an excellent contribution to his reign as it allowed Nero to remain popular within the senate, as well as with the people. Remaining popular among Rome meant that he had the support of its people and could continue to rule effectively with Seneca by his side. Seneca’s influence was particularly shown as he wrote the speech Nero gave where he declared his administration for the senate and his desire that they resume their ancient function.Seneca’s successful speeches helped contribute to the healthy relationship between Nero and the senate as he told them what they wanted to hear. He also issues coins, which were a further indicator of the good relations between Nero and the senate. Credit for this successful relationship must go to Seneca who put the words into Nero’s mouth and was able to satisfy the senate by giving them what they wanted. A co operating senate meant that the empire was able to run much better during Nero’s reign.Further on in Nero’s reign, Seneca began to see a change. He grew more erratic and extreme. From here it became the role of Seneca to curb his enthusiasm. Tacitus describes this job as â€Å"To direct his deviations from virtue into licensed channels of indulgence. † The shows that Seneca fulfilled his job by avoiding activities that would result in scandal. Nero’s frustration grew out of many of his liberal ideas failing and it was the role of Seneca to alert Nero about his policies if they were ineffective or bad policy.Although Seneca was unable to change the personality of Nero and his behaviour, he was able to contribute to the outcome of his actions. Seneca benefited the empire by avoiding decisions, which would consequence in revealing Nero’s awful erratic side. This benefited the empire in that Nero was still able to be favoured as the Romans did not see the worst of his erratic and extreme personality, as well as stopping Nero from making rash decisions that would not help his reign by informing him when policies or ideas were not recommended.Seneca’s contribution was beneficial for all aspects of Nero’s reign. He was able to advise Nero on important decision-making and was able to put a stop to Nero introducing policies and ideas that would not benefit his reign. Seneca provided a voice for Nero and was able to tell the Roman people wanted to hear and in turn earned their support. Seneca’s introduction of new policies and creating of stoicism contributed further to increasing the success of the empire, as well as the success of Nero.Seneca provided the strength to Nero’s power and without his contribution the reign of Nero would not have been as delightful. Seneca was able to make people dream of a â€Å"Republic† which further forced their support onto Nero. He also played a role in creating and maintaining a healthy relationship with the senate so that through Nero’s reign they were able to run the empire in collaboration. The role and contribution of Seneca was vital to the success of Nero, he acted as an excellent advisor to the emperor, particularly through giving a stoic voice to Nero.

Religion as a conservative force Essay

There Christian churches manage to force their conservative values onto masses of people. But, within the last 100 years the Anglican church has been very progressive in that the stance the church has on a lot of modern issues has changed. The churches stance on abortion has changed from absolutely against God to acceptable in some cases. And, although they still see sex before marriage as wrong they are no longer as condemning about it. In this example religion as a conservative force is dying as modern values take over religion and religion can no longer reinstate traditional ones. In contrast the Roman Catholic church, while being Christian, is extremely conservative and hasn t changed its stance on most contempory issues. They still believe that abortion is wrong unless its harmful to the mother, that sex before marriage is wrong in all cases and that contraception is not allowed. The Catholic church is still incredibly prominent and important within many countries and so they view that religion is a conservative force is still true. When discussing whether religion is a conservative force it is really a discussion about different religious institutions being conservative. Within Christianity, different churches and interpretations differ greatly regarding being conservative or progressive. In its day, Protestantism was a very progressive force and Catholicism was very conservative, even though they both were Christian churches they were either conservative or progressive. Traditionally sects are not seen as a conservative force. Q. an values. There Christian churches manage to foAssess the view that religion is a conservative force. Religion can be defined in many different ways, from the traditional view of a belief in God, contrasting with the functionalist view that religion only needs to function and help people and does not require a God. Religion can also differ in size and beliefs and, especially in modern countries, how progressive or conservative they are. Conservative religion s religion which religion which conserves a countries values and norms. The Christian religion does this in many western countries as it embodies many of the values which those countries hold. According to functionalists and Durkheim, by religion holding these values it makes them more sacred and re-enforces these values. According to Parsons religion also generalises these values into society. The values which are generally preserved by religion in these countries are very conservative ones. This is where religion is against social change, maintaining the status quo. This is what functionalists see as necessary for keeping and creating social unity. However, this differs greatly from progressive religion. Religion which is progressive brings about change within societies and usually holds very little of the same values which the society does, and by doing so doesn t reinforce them. Religion which usually falls under the category of progressive religion is very New Age, but they do not all challenge the values in western countries. This is where religion helps social change. Churches such as the Anglican church within Christianity are incredibly traditionally and conservative in the way that they hold very much the same values which they held including the views on certain behaviours which they traditionally held. Churches such as the Christian churccts see themselves as progressive within society and institutions which challenge a country s norms instead of conforming to them or agreeing with them. The tend to be very New Age in their beliefs and deviate from traditional conservative religions not just in values but in the way they recruit, have a hierarchy and conduct religious business. As many traditional religions are loosing members sects are rapidly growing in size, and although many don t make it through the first few years, those which do have increasing popularity and manage to recruit members which are more willing to be a force within society. This is where religion is becoming an increasingly progressive force within societies. Many sects are even progressive with how they recruit members. As well as the traditional route of recruiting one-on-one they also do so online. This is a very progressive method as it differs greatly from the usual method of bringing people into religion from birth and ado lance generally through religious ceremony. But, not all sects to this. The increasingly common Christian sect within Britain and American ( ) recruits members from birth within families, instating their values from birth. So, sects sometimes are conservative but in different ways. This shows that even new religions can be conservative and that the force of conservative religion remains strong. Weber look into Protestants and social change found that religion did result in the change of values and norms within British society at the time. Protestantism changed laws and made things such as dancing illegal. But, Protestantism, in many ways, was more traditional than what was in place before. If conservatism is defined as traditional values is was in fact a conservative force that took over Britain and many other countries within Western Europe. This contradicts the view that conservative religion reinforces values and norms with societies. Marxists argue that religion is a conservative force as it does not bring about social change. Many of the traditional values which many churches hold are values which are the same as middle class or are to the benefit of middle class. As they do not change Marxists believe that religion is the force behind this and are therefore a conservative, not a progressive force. Fundamentalists are traditionally seen as conservative religious forces. Taylor defines involvement in fundamentalism as those who believe that there is a challenge to the ultimate authority which the believe in; people who do not tolerate this challenge, they can reaffirm their belief in that authority and oppose those who challenge their beliefs. The reason fundamentalist are usually found to be religious is that according to this view fundamentalism involves the conservative reassertion of beliefs and, usually, action against any change. Conservative fundamentalists are most notably found to be a big force in the USA. They may hold traditional conservative Christian values but they are a progressive movement as they see the USA as declining away from the those values and especially the world. This movement is a return to old values and the reinstatement of them, such as a return to creationalism within schools. This movement is also forceful in that it holds a lot of power with America and its electoral system. President Bust who was elected for two terms manage to get elected mainly on a traditional conservative values campaign, showing that the conservative religion movement is huge within such a powerful advanced modern country. But even conservative fundamentalists can bring about progress change as what they believe are traditional values can differ from what other people believe for traditional values. This is especially true with Islam as within Islam are many different fundamentalist groups, all of whom are interpreting true Islam in different ways. The Sacred Brethren is also an example of a sect which can be seen as conservative and yet does rapidly change. When the leader of this sect died and someone else took over its values changed and although it remained a conservative force it was still resulting in change, not just reinstating its traditional values. And, fundamentalist can be progressive and bring about social change in other ways. In Iran the bringing back of traditional Islamic values brought major change as it overthrew the Iranian Government, in-stating new laws and values. Even tough it was a return to traditional values and came within a conservative force it was still progressive in bringing about change. Religion obviously differs a lot, not just in belief, and it can be spilt into progressive or conservative. But, even with this it can differ when you take into account the conservative religions which bring about change. Even though the evidence points towards sects and progressive religions being the future for this world as they increase their membership as conservative religions decrease their membership. But in countries such as the USA it is conservative religions which are increasing in power, which means the conservative religion and more power within societies. s manage to get elected mainly on a traditional conservative values campaign, showing that the conservative religion movement is huge within such a powerful advanced modern country.

Dirk Van der Elst’s “Culture as Given, Culture as Choice” Essay

In this text, anthropologists Dirk Van Der Elst and Paul Bohanan discuss the concept of multiculturalism. The text states that an entirely different view of culture is needed in the intellectual discourse of society. Elst analyzes culture using the example of analyzing sex. Elst makes it clear in his analysis that pluralities of identity are the norm, that everyone is multi-ethnic and multi-racial in some fashion Even when discussing the contemporary mainstream political debate over what constitutes ‘multiculturalism,’ it is common cultural phrasing to view culture as a stagnant unit. Multiculturalism is defined in this text as the manner in which more cultures are incorporated into the framework of the dominant discourse., rather than being a way of deconstructing notions of how culture itself is perceived and misperceived.. Elst suggests that nothing really exists as ‘culture,’ instead culture itself is a â€Å"constructed, socially produced norm.† After reading this book I got the feeling that the authors purpose was mainly to advise each individual to study and redefine his own culture. So with that said, I dug down deep and asked myself, what does culture mean to me? And how does culture influence my person, political and social life? The book says that culture means â€Å"everything that human beings have created and transmitted socially across time and space (32).† He also states on page 33 that people are said to â€Å"carry† culture, to bear it from one person or generation to another.† My parents passed their culture on to me, and I will do the same for my children. I was raised a Roman Catholic, and in my family, our heritage plays a huge part. My Irish culture gives me a sense of pride. My parents started me in step dancing when I was five and I loved it. Saint Patty’s Day is bigger than Christmas in my family. We like to talk, we like to tell stories, and we like to drink, of course. But as much as I identify myself with being an American, a woman, a twenty something, elementary education major at Rowan University, or even a Catholic, I  identify with being Irish more. Like I said, I grew up in my heritage, much in the same way many people may have grown up in theirs. My culture has always been a big part of my personal life, but I never really paid much attention as to how it affected my political and social life. As far as my social life goes, I do not associate only with other Irish people. I have a very culturally diverse group of friends. I think that this also adds to who I am. I consider myself to be well rounded and open to many things and ideas. However, my fiancà © is an Irish catholic, and when I think about it, most of my exes were Irish Catholics too. I couldn’t tell you if I choose a partner consciously or not. It could be due to the fact that we have common interests, like drinking. Politics does not interest me at all. So with that said, at this moment my culture does not affect my political life because I don’t have one. Perhaps what is most unique about this book is that it moves cultural anthropology from being this subject of strange behavior that is out there by others and makes it close and personal by repeatedly challenging the reader to use anthropology to identify with and appreciate ones self and ones own choices. It is a clear statement of why people should study anthropology. Mainly, in my own opinion, it makes you think and that is what is most important when you read.

City of God(Meirelles, 2002) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

City of God(Meirelles, 2002) - Research Paper Example City of God by Fernando Meirelles is a sweeping tale that shows how crime negatively affects Rio de Janeiro’s poor population. It was screened at Cannes Film Festival 2002, but it is set in a Brazilian slum, City of God. He is a young boy who manages, in a way, to stay out of the gang, and yet he follows and knows everything that is happening in the gang. The main focus of this narrative is on Cabeleira, the founder of Tender Trio gang. Together with his best friend, (Philippe Haagensen) Bene, they become the lords of crime for over a decade. The death of Bene before his retirement makes Lil’Ze attempt to take his arc enemy, (Matheus Nachtergaele) Sandro Cenoura, for an outing. However, Sandro and another youngster called mane make an alliance, where they start fighting Lil’ Ze, in yet another gang war. Amateur photographer, (Aleixandre Rodrigues) Buscape, takes the brutal crime war pictures, making their story very popular (Meirelles 14). This narrative can be l ikened to slum dog who becomes a millionaire (Smith 21). In this narrative, a slum orphan faces brutal accusations after winning 20 million rupees, since people could not believe that a slum dweller could ever become a millionaire. Accused of being desperate and cheating in an attempt to prove that he was innocent, an orphan, eighteen years old, from Mumbai slums, he recalls his tumulus life when he was competing in India in an attempt to win twenty million rupees, in the movie, who wants to be a millionaire competition in Boyle’s Danny inspirational drama. ... Li’l Ze prospers and becomes the lord of the city. He causes fear and violence as he mercilessly wipes out gangs that are rivals. Bene, his best friend keeps him on sanity’s good side. Rocket has seen them get power for years but he does not want to engage himself in any part of it. However, he is constantly swept up by this madness and therefore takes all the pictures. Things are beyond control in the 1980s, between the only two remaining gangs. Two boys grow together in the same neighborhood but decide to take different life paths (Anonymous 2). The tale is told via Buscape’s eyes, young son of a poor fisherman who aspires to be a photographer in the future. The story tells about corruption and violence in the slum, and ups and downs of Li’l Ze. With increased street wars, Buscape tries to find a way to get out of this violent life by exposing the world’s brutality through his pictures. Movie Analysis/ Review Meirelles had the best intentions in m ind when making his famous movie, City of God. Smith (36) says that there are two relevant things in a cinema that each film maker should serious focus on. These are other peoples’ reaction to the film and his intentions. The City of God is a masterpiece that brings the makers intentions (Salis 37). The director’s intentions should affect the audience at first sight, by trying to picture out what the director wants to achieve, and what the film will actually achieve at last. There is doubt that Meirelles’ had very positive intentions in this movie and the efforts and passion he puts into this movie is highly recommendable. Unfortunately, cinemas only judge the final results, which is of course when considering films’ lost fragments, and cut of greed among others. City of God is a full

Country Comparisons Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Country Comparisons - Assignment Example Japan has been experiencing declining birth rates together with low immigration rates over the last few years which have greatly contributed to the low population growth rate. Japan’s population is estimated to decline over the next coming years by about one million people each year (Connelly, 2008). United States has the best performing economy in the world with an annual average Gross Domestic Product of US$ 5337.70 billion. According to CIA World Fact book, United States GDP for the year ended 2011 was estimated at 17720 billion US dollars. This GDP has an annual average estimate growth rate of 3.25% with a 1.6% growth recorded in the year 2011 over 2010. Japan on the other side, has an annual Gross Domestic Product of US$ 2266.10 billion with an annual average growth of 2.15%. According to the CIA World Fact book, Japan’s 2011 GDP was reported to be US$ 5855billion with a growth of 0.6 percent over 2010. This shows that both countries have a high GDP as well as high growth rates (survey 2003), (CIA). Japan was reported to have a high per capita income of $39310 in December 2010. The average per capita income over the last few years has been $26593.62. United States on the other hand has an average per capita income of $25892.70 with $37,527 recorded for 2010 which is slightly below the Japan’s (Greenaway, 2012). United States has had an average inflation rate of 3.38% while Japan has had inflation rate of 2.97%. Japan recorded 0.3% inflation in February 2012 whereas United States recorded a 2.7% in March 2012 (CIA). Due to the adoption of China’s one-child policy, the population is reported to have a low population growth rate of 0.47 percent. This policy is the reason why the population consists majorly the aged. China is the most populous country in the world 1,226,718,015 people. This consists 20% of the world’s population.

5B Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

5B - Essay Example This seems to be an inconsistency in her behavior. While it is true that she is probably a very naà ¯ve little girl, even toddlers are made aware of significant dangers to avoid, such as large wolves appearing from the forest. If she is old enough to take food to her grandmother, Little Red Riding Hood is also old enough to know better than to fraternize with wolves. An alternate goal of this story might be a classic set-up job. The wolf refuses to attack children in the village where the men can easily attack him and thus rid the village of the danger he poses. At the same time, it is known that the wolf prefers young children and he is likely to go after Little Red Riding Hood if she is sent off to her grandmother’s house. If the little girl is instructed by the hunter to first tell the wolf where she’s going, the hunter can be sure to find him, making it possible to kill him. If the hunter was obliged to follow a discreet distance behind Little Red Riding Hood to be sure the wolf didn’t attack her on the way to her grandmother’s house, not knowing the wolf would run ahead and await the girl at the cottage, this would explain his late arrival and his failure to warn the old woman. In the fairy tale Rapunzel, there is no clear goal as to why the witch might demand an unborn child in exchange for the theft of some vegetables out of her garden or why she might lock the girl up in a tower once she becomes of marrying age. Associations of her as the overprotective mother are refuted by her complete refusal of Rapunzel once she learns of the prince, which should have meant a happy match for her ‘daughter’. Instead, I see the witch as obsessively consumed with ensuring she is provided with company until the end of her days. If the witch was growing the rapunzel plant as a needed ingredient for a cure for a loved one who is lost as a result of the stolen plants, this